This type of civil lawsuit refers to the ongoing and intentional criminal practices of a party. The companies contend that Uber and Lyft are operating as for-hire vehicles without proper licenses, fee payment or insurance, and are not meeting the obligations of for-hire vehicles in Houston. They are seeking an injunction to stop the companies from operation.

Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., is an active hub for chauffeured transportation. Texas and New York are now tied for second place among states with the most limousine operators, behind top-ranked California, according to the 2014 LCT Magazine Fact Book Survey to be published in May.